How to Solve the Problem of BMW 525 Fuel Tank Not Accepting Gasoline?
3 Answers
If the air pipe inside the fuel tank is blocked, you should go to a repair shop and use an air gun to blow it clear. Check the fuel pump in the tank to see if it is working properly. This requires removing the rear seat, opening the fuel tank, and taking out the fuel pump to check for any damage. If a fault is found in the car's battery, electrolyte should be added promptly or it should be cleaned in time. When the engine is running, the fuel pump draws gasoline from the fuel tank. Since the fuel tank is sealed, the space created by the extraction needs to be filled with gas.
I also encountered the issue of my BMW 525 not being able to refuel a few days ago, which was really annoying. The main reason might be that the fuel tank cap seals too tightly, creating a vacuum when the weather gets hot, causing the pressure to lock and preventing fuel from entering. The solution is simple: try refueling more slowly to let the pressure release gradually, or open the fuel tank cap for a few minutes to vent before trying again. If that still doesn’t work, you should check the carbon canister, as it’s responsible for gasoline vapor recovery—if it’s clogged, problems will arise. I handled it myself by replacing the cap or cleaning the carbon canister, which cost just over 200 yuan to fix. Usually, when refueling, avoid rushing, especially in hot weather, and regular maintenance of the fuel tank system can prevent this. Once, I struggled at the gas station for a while, but the mechanic later said this is common in German cars and fixing it promptly isn’t a big deal.
Regarding the issue of the BMW 525 being unable to refuel, I'll explain from a technical perspective. Common causes include a clogged or failed charcoal canister, as the vehicle's evaporative emission system is designed to reduce gasoline evaporation. A blocked canister can create a vacuum imbalance at the fuel filler port. Additionally, issues with the vent pipe or valves may lead to similar problems. Solution: First, try refueling at different times (such as when the engine is cold). If the problem persists, check if the charcoal canister is clogged with dust and needs cleaning or replacement. A faulty fuel tank sensor sometimes misjudges the fuel level as full, which can also prevent refueling. It's recommended to use an OBD diagnostic tool to check for error codes for more accurate repairs. As a rule of thumb, maintaining system cleanliness can prevent major overhauls.
